My first Colt Python Hunter!

Hey guys, I just picked up a cool new gun today. It is a Colt Python Hunter. All original parts seem to be included. The gun has been shot and hunted with but is in good condition.

A couple questions:
Were these only made in 1981?
How many were made?

There is some light wear to the nickel finish at the end of the barrel and on the revolving cylinder, as well as a drag line. What would be a rough condition? 90%?

This is the first Colt Python I have owned. The action is super smooth and has a nice trigger. Very nice gun.

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68lemans462

November 25, 2012, 05:34 PM

More pics!!!

68lemans462

November 25, 2012, 05:35 PM

One more to show wear on the cylinder.

rswartsell

November 25, 2012, 05:51 PM

I am not an expert on this model Python. I do however have a couple of comments. For a nickel finish, the pictures represent a "grainy" finish, and there is that discernable blemish leading up to the front "objective" sight mount on the rail above the vents. The "turn line" is not a concern unless represented as NIB unfired. If this is the original finish, I would think (impossible to say accurately from pictures) it is in the 90% ballpark.

68lemans462

November 25, 2012, 06:21 PM

I noticed that most of the Python Hunters I have seen have a blued barrel. Which is more desirable from a collectibility perspective? Blued or Nickel? Thanks.

JohnBT

November 25, 2012, 06:21 PM

I thought all of the Python Hunters were blue, but what do I know. I've read they made 2100 of them.

I like your gun. The finish almost looks like hard chrome. That would make it the perfect hunting gun.

John

68lemans462

November 25, 2012, 06:31 PM

Serial number is: LA7433. I cannot reference this to anything. Can you guys? Thanks in advance.

CraigC

November 25, 2012, 07:18 PM

I thought they were all Colt Royal Blue. This one looks like satin nickel. Could be factory, could be aftermarket. Only a Colt letter will tell for sure.

ColtPythonElite

November 25, 2012, 08:04 PM

Never saw one that wasn't blue, either.

Gordon

November 25, 2012, 08:07 PM

I sold my electroless nickled 1981 Python Hunter which I bought new for $1000 in 1982 (1981 production) for $2200 in 2008 . It was shot quite a bit as I killed 4 bucks with it in the mid to late 80s then put it away as prices on Pythons rose when it was still in nice shape. My gun used to print 3" 100 yard groups rested with the 170 grain loads I tailred for it. It would break both shoulders of the local blacktail to 140 yards which was my longest shot.
So yes Virginia they made electroless nickle with black pachy grips python hunters in 1981.

PabloJ

November 25, 2012, 08:18 PM

That is original Colt finish for which they had name I can't recall now. Second variety was dull Chrome type. I do like made for Colt Leupold scope. Congratulations on fine hunting rig. The finish is very suitable for northern use when hunter comes in from cold into warm during hunting time.

68lemans462

November 25, 2012, 08:45 PM

Thanks for the nice comments guys, im really stoked about this gun. I cannot believe how smooth this action is compared to my S&W's.. My model 29 has been "worked over" and while it has a nicer trigger, the operation is not as "smooth" as this one is - not even close.

I have $1300 into it - how did I do? Hoping there is a potential for a decent upside in the coming years!! I'll make sure it is shooting well in the meantime!! I REALLY like the idea of killing big game with it! :cool: :D

BYJO4

November 25, 2012, 08:54 PM

You bought yourself a nice revolver. I know you will enjoy it.

ColtPythonElite

November 25, 2012, 08:54 PM

That is original Colt finish for which they had name I can't recall now. Second variety was dull Chrome type. I do like made for Colt Leupold scope. Congratulations on fine hunting rig. The finish is very suitable for northern use when hunter comes in from cold into warm during hunting time.
Coltgard?

dgroff85

November 25, 2012, 08:56 PM

Nice find, seems like you got a good deal

CraigC

November 25, 2012, 10:17 PM

Reminds me of the Colt Whitetailer I used to lust after when they first came out. Would still like to scratch that itch.

skidder

November 25, 2012, 10:33 PM

68lemans462-- You did good!
$1300 is a good price for an average Python around here, but a Hunter with all the fixings.... that's down right criminal.

Gordon

November 26, 2012, 12:12 AM

I sold my Coltguard electroless nickeled 1981 Python Hunter Set which I bought new for $1000 in 1982 (1981 production) for $2200 in 2008 . It was shot quite a bit as I killed 4 bucks with it in the mid to late 80s then put it away as prices on Pythons rose when it was still in nice shape. My gun used to print 3" 100 yard groups rested with the 170 grain loads I tailored for it. It would break both shoulders of the local blacktail to 140 yards which was my longest shot.
So yes Virginia they made electroless nickle with black pachy grips python hunters in 1981.
__________________

68lemans462

November 26, 2012, 01:07 AM

There must be far fewer guns with nickel finish than blued...? Almost every one I've seen is blued, although I'm glad some are stating that they did indeed exist!! :) The serial number on this gun is for 1981.

dgroff85

November 26, 2012, 09:14 AM

You can always pay some $$ and get a letter from Colt.

smkummer

November 26, 2012, 10:52 AM

It is also known an electroless nickel finish. That is the first one I have seen. Your foam is in better condition than most such as mine. My blued gun was left in the deteriating foam to long and left blotches on my barrel's blueing. Like stated these shoot really well. It is cheating when using the scoped gun against iron sight guns. We shoot at a 16 in. metal plate at 100 yards with our open sight guns but this gun could easily shoot at a 8 in. plate at 100 yards with the same success. The leupold manual supplied with the papers describes how to take the scope on and off without distirbing the zero and it works. To tell the truth, I like shooting the gun better without the scope as it is really muzzle heavy when not using a rest. Congrats on a truely nice piece that would easily bring double that money on auction.

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